England Fans Attacked in Russia

The England-Russia game is kicking off right now — the Chinese commentary I’ve got for it on Sopcast is proving more entertaining than John Motson and Trevor Brooking ever were on the BBC — but I thought I’d pass on the unsurprising news that several England fans were “beaten up” in Russia.

A spokesman said two of the fans – among 4,000 in the city – had been treated and released and the two others were expected to leave hospital later.

None of the supporters is thought to have suffered serious injuries.

A total of 6,000 police officers will be stationed around the stadium on Wednesday to prevent crowd trouble.

According to police in Moscow, officers are now guarding the hotel where many of the England fans are staying.

It’s interesting that these events are being portrayed as more down to the Russians than the English. It might not have been seen that way a few years ago.

It sounds very loud in the stadium, even over the Chinese commentators. Let’s hope there’s no more trouble.

It’s rather ironic that the inspiration for these attacks is the British hooligans of the past. Russian’s groups idolise the gangs of the 80’s and they’re not the only ones. It appear we’re reaping the rewards of our past…….